It has been my interest in family history and the research that I have done that has bought this aspect history alive for me. I have a much greater appreciation of their contributions, sacrifices and the long term effects on them all now.

I know it’s been a long time since I posted highlights for 2014 part 1, but many things have happened since then.

Boney Whitefoot has become two people now as my better half has arrived from Nebraska USA and Tammy will have a hands on role in building Boney into a growing enterprise.
This place sure can use a woman’s touch! lol

Starting off in the lineup for this post is the California Quail.
These birds are far from easy getting an excellent shot of and after many attempts with varying results I was pleased to get these shots.
Detail is accentuated in the soft subdued light of the afternoon and the camera position and profile of the birds are spot on.

Female Cali Quail are truly beautiful birds and although they can’t match the gaudy colours of their male counter parts, they are amazing in their own right.

On the first anniversary of my brother’s death I visited the Wellington Botanical Gardens where he and I had left small footprints as children, visiting with our parents. And where in the mid 1970’s he left more footprints when he worked there as a gardener.

During my visit I wondered if perhaps had he stopped work and stood and enjoyed this view

Or perhaps he had rested in the summer heat under this Weeping Willow tree

Or trudged up this path amid the greenery

Or cut this long, steep, grassy bank.

And behind me as I took these photographs was A Field of Remembrance.

866 white crosses bearing the names of Wellingtonians who were casualties of WW1 between 1914-15.

This field is but one of many that have been established around our country to commemorate those who lost their lives.

In April of 2015–2018, part of Wellington Botanic Garden will become a place to reflect on and remember those who died World War I. Sited on Salamanca Lawn, towards Salamanca Road, the Fields of Remembrance will feature replica Flanders field poppies and 866 white crosses to commemorate the Wellingtonians who died in service in 1915. We’ve worked with the Fields of Remembrance Trust to make this event possible. 10–28 April.

Gallivanta in Christchurch has posted about visiting the one in her city.

A steady trickle of quiet, sombre, reflective visitors moved amongst the crosses and spent time with their own thoughts, feeling and memories.